Lexmark E250dn User Manual

							41 4
Print media tasks and tips
What types of print media can be loaded?
Get the most from your printer by properly loading the trays. Never mix media types within a tray.
Note:It is recommended that print media smaller than 8.5 x 11 in. be loaded with the short edge toward the 
front of the tray.SourceSizesTypesWeightCapacity*
 (sheets)
250-sheet trayA4, A5, A6 (grain long 
only), JISB5, letter, 
legal, executive, folio, 
statementPlain paper, bond, 
letterhead, 
transparencies, 
paper labels (single-
sided only)60–90g/m2
(16–24lb)•250 paper
•50 labels
•50 transparencies
250-sheet drawer 
(optional) or
550-sheet drawer 
(optional)A4, A5, JISB5, letter, 
legal, executive, folio, 
statementPlain paper, bond, 
letterhead, 
transparencies, 
paper labels (single-
sided only)60–90g/m2
(16–24lb)•550 paper
•50 labels
•50 transparencies
Manual feederA4, A5, A6 (grain long 
only), JISB5, letter, 
legal, executive, folio, 
statement, Universal‡Plain paper, 
transparencies, 
paper labels (single-
sided only)60–163g/m2
(16–43lb)1
Card stock†
•120–163g/m2
(66–90lb) Index Bristol
•75–163g/m2
(46–100lb) Tag
7¾, 9, 10, DL, C5, B5Envelopes75g/m2 
(20lb)* Capacity for 20lb print media, unless otherwise noted.
†
 Grain short is recommended. Use rear exit for best results.
‡
 Universal size ranges:
– Manual feeder: 76–216x127–356mm (3.0–8.5x5.0–14.0in.) (includes 3x5in. cards)Downloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals 
						

							42Where can print media be loaded in the printer?
Where can print media be loaded in the printer?
Your printer has two standard paper sources: a 250-sheet tray and a single-sheet manual feeder. Use the 250-sheet tray 
for most print jobs. Use the manual feeder for a single piece of paper, transparency, envelope, paper label, card stock, or 
index card. 
The output bin on top of the printer holds up to 150 sheets. The single-sheet rear exit provides a straight-through path to 
help reduce curling and potential jams. This is especially useful for specialty media, such as transparencies, paper labels, 
card stock, or index cards.
1150-sheet output bin5Front door
2250-sheet tray6Control panel
3250-sheet drawer or 550-sheet drawer (optional)7Paper support
4Manual feederDownloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals 
						

							43Selecting print media
Selecting print media
Selecting the appropriate paper or other print media reduces printing problems. The following sections contain guidelines 
for choosing the correct print media for the printer:
•Paper
•Transparencies
•Envelopes
•Labels
•Card stock
Paper
To ensure the best print quality and feed reliability, use 75 g/m2
 (20 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. Business papers 
designed for general business use may also provide acceptable print quality.
Note:Certain paper types will not print at maximum speed.
Always print several samples before buying large quantities of any type of print media. When choosing print media, 
consider the weight, fiber content, and color.1Rear exit5USB connect
2Power button6Parallel connect
3Power cord connect7Ethernet connect
4Dust cover (not available for some models)Downloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals 
						

							44Selecting print media
The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of 210°C (410°F) for non-MICR applications. Use only paper 
able to withstand these temperatures without discoloring, bleeding, or releasing hazardous emissions. Check with the 
manufacturer or vendor to determine whether the paper chosen is acceptable for laser printers.
When loading paper, note the recommended print side on the paper package, and load paper accordingly. The printer can 
automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 90 g/m2
 (16 to 24 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter than 60 g/m2
 (16 lb) might 
not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. Paper heavier than 90 g/m2
 (24 lb) should be fed through the manual 
feeder. 
The duplex unit only supports certain sizes and types of print media. Only A4-, letter-, legal- and folio-size paper can be 
used for duplex printing. The printer does not support duplex printing on any other type of print media.
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. It is recommended that these guidelines are followed 
when evaluating new paper stock.
For detailed information, see the Card Stock & Label Guide available on the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/
publications.
Weight
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 90g/m2
 (16 to 24lb bond) grain long in the integrated and 
optional trays and paper weights from 60 to 163g/m2
 (16 to 43lb bond) grain long in the manual feeder. Paper lighter than 
60g/m2
 (16lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 75g/m2
 (20lb bond) 
grain long paper. To use paper narrower than 182x257 mm (7.2x10.1in.), it is recommended that the weight be equal to 
90g/m2
 (24lb bond).
Curl
Curl is the tendency of media to curve at its edges. Excessive curl can cause paper feeding problems. Curl can occur after 
the paper passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing paper unwrapped in hot, humid, 
cold, and dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause feeding problems.
Smoothness
The degree of smoothness of paper directly affects print quality. If the paper is too rough, the toner does not fuse to the 
paper properly, resulting in poor print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues. 
Smoothness needs to be between 100 and 300 Sheffield points; however, smoothness between 150 and 250 Sheffield 
points produces the best print quality.
Moisture content
The amount of moisture in the paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the paper properly. Leave 
the paper in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of the paper to moisture changes that can 
degrade its performance. 
Condition paper while it is still in the original wrapper. To condition it, store it in the same environment as the printer for 24 
to 48 hours before printing to let the paper stabilize in the new conditions. Extend the time several days if the storage or 
transportation environment is very different from the printer environment. Thick paper may also require a longer 
conditioning period because of the mass of material.
Grain direction
Grain refers to the alignment of the paper fibers in a sheet of paper. Grain is either grain long, running the length of the 
paper, or grain short, running the width of the paper.
For 60 to 90 g/m2
 (16 to 24 lb bond) paper, grain long fibers are recommended. It is not recommended that short grain 
paper be used in any paper size with a weight less than 64 g/m2
 (17 lb), in A5-size paper weighting less than 70 g/m2
 (18 
lb), or in A6-size paper of any weight.Downloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals 
						

							45Selecting print media
Fiber content
Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically pulped wood. This content provides the paper with a 
high degree of stability resulting in fewer paper feeding problems and better print quality. Paper containing fibers such as 
cotton possesses characteristics that can result in degraded paper handling.
Recycled paper
Lexmark supports US executive order 13101 which strongly encourages the use of recycled papers in government 
agencies. Ask for warranty information and performance claims from your paper supplier, and/or test small quantities 
before buying large amounts. A list of suppliers and approved papers used by the US Government Printing Office can be 
found at http://www.gpo.gov/qualitycontrol/cpypaper.htm.
Unacceptable paper
The following papers are not recommended for use with the printer:
•Chemically treated papers used to make copies without carbon paper, also known as carbonless papers, 
carbonless copy paper (CCP), or no carbon required (NCR) paper
•Preprinted papers with chemicals that may contaminate the printer
•Preprinted papers that can be affected by the temperature in the printer fuser
•Preprinted papers that require a registration (the precise print location on the page) greater than ±0.09 in., such as 
optical character recognition (OCR) forms
In some cases, you can adjust registration with your program to successfully print on these forms.
•Coated papers (erasable bond), synthetic papers, thermal papers
•Rough-edged, rough or heavily textured surface papers or curled papers
•Recycled paper having a weight less than 60 g/m2
 (16 lb)
•Multiple-part forms or documents
Preprinted forms and letterhead
•Use 60 to 90 g/m2
 (16–24lb) weight, grain long papers for best results.
•Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset lithographic or engraved printing process.
•Choose papers that absorb ink but do not bleed.
•Avoid papers with rough or heavily textured surfaces.
Use papers printed with heat-resistant inks designed for use in xerographic copiers. The ink must withstand temperatures 
of 210°C (410°F) without melting or releasing hazardous emissions. Use inks that are not affected by the resin in toner. 
Inks that are oxidation-set or oil-based should meet these requirements; latex inks might not. If you are in doubt, contact 
your paper supplier.
Preprinted papers such as letterhead must be able to withstand temperatures up to 210°C (410°F) without melting or 
releasing hazardous emissions.Downloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals 
						

							46Selecting print media
Transparencies
•Use transparencies designed specifically for laser printers. Transparencies must be able to withstand 
temperatures of 210°C (410°F) without melting, discoloring, offsetting, or releasing hazardous emissions.
We recommend Lexmark laser printer transparencies: part number 70X7240 for letter-size transparencies; part 
number 12A5010 for A4-size transparencies.
•To prevent print-quality problems, avoid getting fingerprints on the transparencies.
•Before loading transparencies, fan the stack to prevent sheets from sticking together.
Envelopes
•Use envelopes made from 20lb (75g/m2
) bond paper.
•Do not use envelopes that:
–Have excessive curl
–Are stuck together
–Are damaged in any way
–Contain windows, holes, perforations, cutouts, or embossments
–Use metal clasps, string ties, or metal folding bars
–Have postage stamps attached
–Have any exposed adhesive when the flap is in the sealed position
•Use envelopes that can withstand temperatures of 210°C (410°F) without:
–sealing
–excessive curling
–wrinkling
–releasing hazardous emissions
If you have any doubts about the envelopes you are considering, check with the envelope supplier.
•Adjust the paper guides to fit the width of the envelope.
•Load only one envelope at a time.
•A combination of high humidity (over 60%) and high printing temperatures may seal the envelopes.
Labels
•Do not use labels that have exposed adhesive on the sheets.
•Do not print a large number of labels continuously.
•Do not use vinyl labels.
•Use labels that can withstand temperatures of 210°C (410°F) without sealing, excessive curling, wrinkling, or 
releasing hazardous emissions. Label adhesives, face sheet (printable stock), and topcoats must also be able to 
withstand 25 pounds per square inch (psi) (172kilopascals) pressure.Downloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals 
						

							47Tips on storing print media and supplies
Card stock
•Card stock can only be printed from the Manual feeder.
•Preprinting, perforation, and creasing can significantly affect print quality and cause media handling or jamming 
problems.
•Avoid using card stock that may release hazardous emissions when heated.
•Do not use preprinted card stock manufactured with chemicals that may contaminate the printer. Preprinting 
introduces semi-liquid and volatile components into the printer.
•Use card stock with a maximum weight of 163g/m2 
(43 lb).
•The use of grain short card stock is recommended.
Tips on storing print media and supplies
Storing paper
Use the following guidelines to avoid paper feeding problems and uneven print quality:
•Store paper in an environment where the temperature is approximately 21°C (70°F) and the relative humidity is 
40%.
•Store cartons of paper on a pallet or shelf rather than directly on the floor.
•If you store individual packages of paper out of the original carton, make sure they rest on a flat surface so the 
edges do not buckle, curl, or become damaged.
•Do not place anything on top of paper packages.
Storing supplies
Choose a cool, clean storage area for printer supplies. Store supplies right side up in their original packaging until needed.
Do not expose supplies to:
•Direct sunlight
•Temperatures above 35°C (95°F)
•High humidity (above 80%)
•Salty air
•Corrosive gases
•Heavy dustDownloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals 
						

							48Tips on preventing jams
Tips on preventing jams
You can avoid most paper jams by correctly loading paper and specialty media in the printer.
The following hints can help prevent paper jams:
•Do not load wrinkled, creased, or damp paper.
•Never mix media types within a tray.
•Flex, fan, and straighten the paper stack before loading it.
Note:Make sure the paper stack is below the maximum paper fill indicators on the 250-sheet tray before 
pushing the tray into the printer.
•Push all trays snugly into the printer after loading them.
•Make sure paper guides are positioned before loading the paper or specialty media.
•Do not remove trays while a job is printing. Wait for a Load Paper light sequence (see Load print media on 
page15) before removing the tray.
•Before loading transparencies, fan the stack to prevent sheets from sticking together.
•Do not use envelopes that:
–Have excessive curl
–Are stuck together
–Are damaged in any way
–Contain windows, holes, perforations, cutouts, or embossments
–Have metal clasps, string ties, or metal folding bars
–Have postage stamps attached
–Have any exposed adhesive when the flap is in the sealed position
•Use only recommended paper. See the Card Stock & Label Guide available on our Lexmark Web site at 
www.lexmark.com/publications for more information about which paper provides optimum results for your printing 
environment.
•If you need detailed information before purchasing large quantities of customized paper, See the Card Stock & 
Label Guide.Downloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals 
						

							49Loading the 250-sheet tray
Loading the 250-sheet tray
Follow these instructions to load paper in the 250-sheet tray.
1Remove the 250-sheet tray.
Note:To load legal- or folio-size paper, extend the length of the tray. See Extending the tray for legal- or 
folio-size paper on page52 for instructions.
2Prepare a paper stack for loading by flexing and fanning it back and forth. Straighten the edges on a level surface.maximum paper fill 
indicator
maximum paper fill 
indicatorDownloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals 
						

							50Loading the 250-sheet tray
3Adjust the rear paper guide for the print media size you will be loading.
Note:There should be a slight gap between the rear paper guide and the paper stack.
4Insert the paper stack with the print side facing down.
Note:Make sure the paper stack is laying flat in the tray and is not above the maximum paper fill indicators. 
Improper loading may cause jams.
Note:For simplex printing load letterhead paper with the design side facing down. The top edge of the sheet 
with the logo should be placed at the front of the tray. For duplex printing load letterhead paper with 
the design side facing up.Downloaded From ManualsPrinter.com Manuals